Then

"You're in a surprisingly good mood, my friend," Gareth stated with a smile and looked at Phoenix over the rim of his whiskey glass from his seat.

"I guess? It's been a great week. We've wrapped up two deals, the negotiations with that weirdo in Canada are going well, and I found somebody to clean my apartment for me."

The cleaning help was probably the best part of the things Phoenix had mentioned. It was a sub from the club who Packard had mentioned needed a bit of extra cash, so Phoenix had agreed without knowing who it was. If Packard could vouch for people, that was good enough for him. Packard had arranged for a job interview with the guy later, so Phoenix had to get Gareth out at some point without being rude.

"True," Gareth agreed with a nod. "But are you sure it has nothing to do with the fact that since you went into self-isolation, you've only received a Christmas present and nothing else from that stalker? It seems to work."

"That might be a part of it too. But I can't live like a hermit here for the rest of my life."

It might be a part of it, but the real reason he could never tell Gareth. There was no chance he could expose that the reason for his amazing mood and borderline agreeable behavior was because of Jace. To the fact that he had not only found the sub he wanted but gotten that amazing man to agree to be his. Nothing could bring him down, not even the fact that their scheduled meeting had been canceled because of the man sitting across from him in his apartment office.

Gareth had called in people for an assignment, and Jace had been one of them. It was not like Gareth had done it on purpose, Phoenix had a full understanding of that. It was Jace's job to do what Gareth wanted, and that they both had to accept. Though it had hurt him how afraid Jace had been when he had called to inform Phoenix about it. Jace had actually feared that he would get punished for not showing up. Like Phoenix would ever punish Jace for something like that. It was force majeure, not an active choice or a dumb mistake made by Jace that could have required a reprimand. That instinctive reaction was clearly left-over anxiety from Jace's past, and something Phoenix needed to handle delicately.

Phoenix had made a complex spreadsheet to plot in everything Jace-related. He had put in everything he knew about Jace from their training together. What Jace had confided in him, as well as every reaction Jace had given to what they had shared.

Good and bad.

The spreadsheet out-mapped Jace as a whole and gave Phoenix an idea of where there were holes he needed to have filled with information, and where he had an already established trauma that needed to be addressed and hopefully healed through positive actions. It showed him Jace's sexuality and personality, which allowed him to anticipate pitfalls he could encounter during scenes. It also showed him which of those pitfalls he would have to look out for outside of the scenes, as everyday life could trigger Jace too.

It was a great guideline and a piece of intricate work with all the crossover information in the different categories. And it had taken a shitload of time to make, but it seemed to be worth it because when Jace had called a few days later to tell him about the assignment and his possible return date, Phoenix had recalled the details in the spreadsheet and deciphered through Jace's trigger words, that what Jace had really needed was confirmation that he would not be in trouble when he got back.

When they met next, he needed to make sure that Jace truly understood that real life came first. His obligations to Gareth and his career would never be an issue with Phoenix and never be something to be dragged into their sexual relationship. He applauded Jace for his work ethic and how he handled everything thrown at him by Gareth. That he would not wish to stand in the way of, because seeing Jace excel was a pleasure to Phoenix, and it helped him indirectly by Jace gaining confidence in himself and his worth.

Still, it was a tightrope to walk.

Phoenix wanted to know if Jace was busy, not to know what he did or why. But if they had a meeting scheduled, he would like to know if it would not happen, since there was no point in him waiting and wasting his time. And he liked that Jace thought of him and valued their time and possible meetings. But he also wanted Jace to not always think of him and become anxious about if he could keep their appointments.

A text or call would be enough. Phoenix would accept those at face value and not ask questions. But it seemed he needed to groom Jace to understand that. It would take some time, then again, and so would everything else.

With more meetings, there would be more information to plot into the spreadsheet. With more information, he would see Jace clearer. And in a clearer light, he hoped he could help Jace overcome and blossom.

"You're long gone, mate." Gareth studied Phoenix for a moment while he looked thoughtful. "Am I missing something? Could the mood mean something else? Are you dating somebody?"

Damn Gareth and that perceptiveness.

"I've been here and at the club on rare occasions. What do you think?" For the first time in... Forever? Phoenix had to force forward his usual grumpiness to throw off Gareth. "And in all the time you've known me, have you ever seen me date anybody?"

"Well, no."

"I don't date. I sit back and observe, and then I hunt and capture. Rinse and repeat. Just like you."

Gareth snorted at having his dating habits laid out that bluntly. But Phoenix was correct. He, too, did that. And he never went out intending to get laid, that he did at The Chateau. He went out to have fun, and if he saw something he liked, then he would spin into action. Have his fun for a night and move on. Never to look back.

He and Phoenix were alike in that behavior.

"Maybe you need a day off or a night on the town? What do you say to us getting a few together and having a good dinner and some drinks soon?" Gareth rubbed his chin. "I think Cracker and Jace will be back one of these days, so maybe at the beginning of next week?"

"I'd like an evening out. It's been a while since I've seen you all."

"Great," Gareth exclaimed with a smile and got that calculated look in his eyes. He sipped his whiskey as he sat on his next sentence with dramatic flair. "Since you'll be going home for your birthday, I can't throw you a big bash like I had planned to compensate for last year. But this is a marvelous opportunity for us to call it your birthday party."

He had walked right into that one. Hook, line, and sinker. To end up dangling at Gareth's mercy with no way out. Phoenix wanted to laugh or applaud Gareth on his sneaky tactics. If he had not been so preoccupied with Jace, he would probably have caught on to Gareth before he had found himself in a situation he could not refuse.

With a deep, inward sigh, Phoenix let out a huff that did not sound like acceptance. The sound was very in tune with the grumpy Phoenix. At least he had that back. "Fine, but no presents."

"Not your choice," Gareth said with a laugh and that typical facial expression that said that the subject was not up for discussion and the matter was closed. "But we can do it casually. I'll let you pick the restaurant."

Phoenix grunted at the offer. He should have known Gareth would pummel him into a birthday, even if he did not want one. That was Gareth, and Phoenix had known that all along.

"Then I want one of those fancy steak houses where they put a lobster on your steak." Not that he had any intention of eating that. It was either steak or seafood. Not a chance that he wanted to combine them on a plate. But he liked the atmosphere in those places, and it was a good idea for the guys.

Dinner actually sounded like a good plan, and he would see Jace, and maybe he could even use that as an opportunity to show Jace he did not have to be afraid to be himself outside of the club. He was a cheeky, playful, little shit that soared in social gatherings, and that should never change just because he sexually liked to be dominated. Neither should he feel inhibited by Phoenix's presence.

It was a must for Phoenix to show Jace that. It was only a hunch, and Jace had not confirmed his suspicions yet, but Phoenix had the feeling that Jace had been controlled a lot more than just during scenes.

It had already revealed itself as a possibility in the spreadsheet as something he needed to find out. So, by going along with Gareth's idea, he had to view it as an opportunity.

"Perfect, I'll set it up. Who do you want me to invite besides the usual two?"

Phoenix rubbed his temples. How had an easy dinner turned into him making a guest list for the birthday he did not want?

"Hmm, Malachai, Yarro, Yelfim, and Roarke if he's available?" Raising an eyebrow, Phoenix waited for Gareth to confirm. "And I think I'd like Gerson, Vlad, and Rotha there too. Oh, don't forget Rami and Vasili."

Gareth snickered. "You're sure you don't want a big bash? I can invite the national guard or pull in people from other cities."

"Yeah, yeah. Those are the ones I want. And no fucking strippers..."

"I might own strip clubs, but I'm not tacky." Gareth scrunched up his nose in disgust. If he wanted to see tits and ass, he would go to a place where he could touch the goods too.

"Just thought I'd mention it since you're apparently on a roll with making it a bash."

"I see we're rubbing off on you," Gareth commented with self-satisfaction at how Phoenix slowly accepted his guys and their socializing with a minimum of resistance. "And I swear I'll make sure Jace is well-behaved."

"It's fine. I know how to block out his antics. When I'm not the target, he can be rather fun to observe. And his company is joyful and uplifting." Phoenix knew Jace would be well-behaved, not as in he feared punishments if he was not, but in the sense that he would not push to make Phoenix flirt with others or participate in games that would make him uncomfortable because he was gay. Jace would never out him, that was for sure.

Gareth nodded eagerly, as if he had suddenly discovered that he and Phoenix saw eye to eye on the matter. "I know, right? I mean, he can be annoying as fuck, and sometimes I want to wring his neck during meetings when he begins with his shit. But then I take a step back and I realize he doesn't do it with malice or the intent to cause disruption, he just loves to laugh and poke at people. He does it to lighten tight situations for all of us, and when he laughs, I'm happy."

Phoenix quirked a tightlipped smile in his usual way. "I know what you mean. It took some time to get used to, but I see it now."

"Yeah, he's an acquired taste, but so worth it when that taste has been acquired." Gareth emptied his glass and stood up. He smoothed down his suit jacket to look presentable and got ready to leave. "Maybe we all need a night out. I'm telling you, you're lucky you've stayed cooped up here, because Jace has been an utter pain since about his birthday. Unconcentrated, moody, and that humor has been rare in him."

"Really?" Standing up to escort Gareth to the door, Phoenix perked up at the information. he birthday declaration had affected Jace just as much as himself? It had gotten to him, and though it had taken him about three months to seek Phoenix out, Jace had given it a lot of thought it would seem.

Gareth huffed.

"Yes, during the holidays, which Jace usually loves because he doesn't have a family, we try to make it extra cozy for him, but he stared at his phone as if a family would magically call him, and he looked around as though people were missing. And we were all there."

Walking Gareth to the door, that information swam inside Phoenix's mind. "But he has a father, I'm sure he said so once? Maybe he waited for a call from him?"

"His father has Alzheimer's. He wouldn't recognize Jace if he stood right in front of him. I can't tell you more about his family. That's Jace's privacy, but it's commonly known about his father, and that's why we make Christmas so special. We all do it for him." Gareth smiled with embarrassment and fidgeted a bit with his hands, and that was a new look on him. "We'd probably all have places to go if we needed it, and the staff would welcome the days off. But Jace has nobody, and that won't do, so we celebrate Christmas every year. Basically, just for him."

Wow!

Phoenix had never shorted on reasons to respect Gareth, but he had just found one that weighed a lot more than the rest. All those people, colleagues and staff alike, stayed for the holidays to cheer up Jace? He might not really understand feelings, but he understood that Gareth and the people around him were good people, and they had their hearts in the right place.

"You're a good man, Gareth."

He shrugged. "Jace is my oldest friend. I'd do anything to make him happy. Anything to make him feel like he belongs and is safe. I'd take a bullet for him." Gareth's face split into a grin and he mock-punched Phoenix's arm. "But that seems to be your job now, so I get Christmas. Deal?"

"Whatever you say, G-man," Phoenix replied with a chuckle and gave Gareth a quick bro-hug.

"Don't tell him about Christmas, ok? If he knew, he'd get embarrassed and feel like a burden. And he's not."

"My lips are sealed."

When Gareth had left, Phoenix called the attending guard in the lobby to let him know Phoenix expected somebody for a job interview, and he could send him up without calling ahead or questioning the guy when he showed up. He went back to his office and cleaned up after his lunch with Gareth. Throwing out the garbage from their greasy burger takeaway and putting the glasses in the dishwasher before he checked if he had sodas and snacks ready for the interview.

He put a small selection of chocolates, nuts, and fruit on the coffee table and found glasses. The drinks he could get when the guy got there, it would be stupid to put out before time, they would just get warm.

A quick glance at his phone informed him he had half an hour. That was enough time for a shower and a change of clothes.

With his hair still wet, but newly showered, shaved, and in less official clothes than during his morning with Gareth, Phoenix went to open the door when he heard the doorbell.

"Chess?" Phoenix said in surprise and took in Chess as he stood outside his door. He looked very different from in the club. Sure, the green hair was the same, those weird violet eyes, too, and the polite smile he knew so well was also there. But he had on loose-fitting jeans and a blue button-up shirt over a white t-shirt under his open winter jacket. He had on sneakers that looked a bit worn out, but overall, he was very presentable.

Maybe it was just the fact that he wore actual clothes and not those bartender boy shorts.

"Oh, Mister P.? I'm sorry, Packard... Master Packard hadn't informed me it was you."

"Well, that makes two of us. Just call me Phoenix. Come in, please."

Chess tentatively stepped in and stood a bit awkwardly and looked around with mesmerized awe. "You live here?"

"I certainly paid for it," Phoenix said with a chuckle. "Might as well live here too."

It was not polite to make fun of Chess' awe; it was a rare attempt at lightening the mood for Chess to relax. In his apartment and in the situation, they were not supposed to be under the rules of the club. Chess was a potential employee, and Phoenix was just a man with a job opening. A basic amount of good manners was expected, but not the respect and submissive behavior from the club environment.

Chess brightened at the comment and gave a tiny grin.

Motioning Chess to follow, Phoenix went toward the kitchen that had an entrance to the living room through the dining area. "Come along. Just keep your shoes on if you wish."

Phoenix stood, staring into the open fridge, when Chess came into the kitchen. His wide eyes scanned the room, and that look of awe never left his face.

"What do you want to drink? I've got water, lemonade, soda... I can make coffee too if you're an addict like my boss?"

"Anything is fine, eh, Phoenix."

"What would you like? It's no problem."

"You got a Coke? Or Pepsi?"

As an answer, Phoenix pulled out two cans of Coke and handed one to Chess. It was strange to have him there in his home. But he already felt ok with the idea of him cleaning the apartment, if Chess wanted the job, of course.

"I've put out some chocolates and stuff, but if you're hungry, I've got proper food too."

"No, please don't bother. I'll grab a bagel or something on my way to the club. I have a shift later."

"Nonsense." Phoenix once again looked into the fridge. "So, you've got the choice of a sandwich, pizza, salad, or Indian butter chicken." Phoenix saw Chess light up at the butter chicken, so he took it out and made a plate to put in the microwave.

"Ehm, why are you being so nice to me?"

"Am I not always?" Phoenix asked while setting the timer on the microwave.

"Oh, yes, I didn't mean it like that... It's just..." Chess sighed and shook his head. "Never mind, people are usually not this nice when I come for interviews. Or in general, really."

In another attempt at making Chess relax, Phoenix turned and leaned against the kitchen counter in a laid-back manner.

"I know I'm a grumpy fucker to most people, but I generally try to be nice, even if it doesn't seem like it. Especially to people who've got nothing but my respect. Besides, Packard said that the guy he would send over would come because he needed some extra cash. Why would I make you buy food on your way from here, when I can offer you a meal for free?"

A blush of embarrassment crept into Chess' cheeks. He looked down. "I don't like charity. I work for my money and food. And I already declined Packard when he offered to help me."

It redeemed Packard that he had offered and accepted a no without question and then thought up a way to help without it being a cash-in-hand gift or loan. Chess had appreciated it a lot and only accepted because Packard had been exactly what he had thought him to be during their date. When the subject had come up, Packard had not just flung his money at him. He had offered to help then and there, and for Chess to take on extra shifts to pay back afterward if he wanted or needed the money urgently.

Phoenix nodded.

Chess had always struck him to be independent and strong. Intelligent and capable. For him to be proud and decline handouts only fit well with that.

"Is it impolite to ask why you need extra money now? It's none of my business, but if you'd like to talk, then I'm listening."

"I have some obligations in my personal life that I need to honor."

"Are you in any kind of trouble? I mean, you don't need money because you need to pay off debt collectors or have problems with the law? I don't want your pride to get you hurt."

Chess smiled at the concern and did not even mind that Phoenix had asked if he had bad habits or did something illegal. Not that he did, but it was a fair assumption when somebody needed money fast. "No, no. Nothing like that. Just expenses for life as I know it."

"Fair enough." Phoenix chose not to pry further into it. Chess obviously did not want to elaborate, and that was quite alright. He had gotten the information he needed. Chess was not in trouble, and that was the most important thing. Neither he nor Packard would have allowed anybody to hurt Chess in any way. If that had been the case, Chess' pride could go to hell because they would pay to keep him safe.

The ding from the microwave saved them from going into an awkward silence. Phoenix pointed at a drawer and then tossed his head toward the living room. "Knives and forks are in there. I'll bring the food."

Well seated on the couch, Phoenix urged Chess to eat while they talked. It was just a formality, Chess had the job already.

"So, what I need is for this place to be looked after about twice a week, if possible. I'd like it vacuumed both times, but only wash the floors one of them."

Chess instantly found a notepad in his bag and wrote it down, then picked up eating as he waited for more information.

"The guest bathrooms you just need to check most of the times. They're rarely used, so basic cleaning when needed, make sure you replace the towels regularly, and that soap and stuff are always filled." Phoenix waited for Chess to write it down. "The kitchen and my personal bathroom might be my worst demands. Those have to be spotless. I'm a bit of a clean freak, and I need to not get stressed about the cleanliness there."

"Don't worry. I'm good at cleaning. I've done it enough." Chess nodded enthusiastically and looked around the room. From what he had seen of the apartment, it would be a straightforward job. The place was huge, but dusting off things and wiping down shelves and such would not be too time-consuming. Phoenix was seemingly minimalistic. "You mentioned guest bathrooms? I assume there are guest rooms too?"

"Yes, just basic cleaning there. The beds are made and have covers on them. I'll inform you prior if I've had guests and I need the linen replaced, ok?"

"Sure, no problem." The pen scribbled fast to take everything down. "And the master bedroom?"

"Change the linen once a week and the towels every time, please?" Phoenix thought if there was more, he needed to mention. "I have an office, but I'll clean that myself. I often leave out work stuff all over the place, and it would be a pain for you to work around all that."

Again, Chess nodded and wrote it down.

Phoenix noticed how fast he wrote and how meticulous the man seemed to be.

"May I ask you how old you are, Chess?"

"Twenty-four."

"Do you have an education?"

Chess blushed with a squirm. "No, Sir. I wanted to be a psychologist, but, you know, life happened, and I had to give up on getting there the direct way. So, I've taken as many preliminary independent courses and classes as I could. But most are night classes and I have to work at night."

"Do you have time during the day? Or do you have a second job outside the club?"

"Just cleaning here, if you approve of me doing that. I work at the club most nights, from early evening until the middle of the night, so I have a little time during the day."

Phoenix found a chocolate and chewed it like it was brain food while he thought it over. "If you still have that dream, I can help you. I know people."

"Oh, no, don't go to any trouble. It's just a stupid dream." Chess gasped with surprise and pulled back a bit. He had just wanted a job to earn some money. Never had he imagined suddenly being flung into decisions about his education and future. He had accepted that his life was complicated, and that was it.

"No dream is stupid, and education is important. What are you doing tomorrow at about noon?"

Chess peeked at Phoenix. "I think you're about to tell me?"

"Yup." Phoenix chuckled. "Write your address and I'll pick you up. I'm just going to let you see a few things and talk with some people. The decision in the end is yours. But at least know your options before you discard a dream that's very much possible."

Reluctantly, Chess wrote his address and ripped the page out of his notepad to give to Phoenix. Listening could not hurt. If Phoenix was willing to take time out of his day to show him a few things, it would be polite to go along. He could always say no after. Which was the most likely scenario. But fuck if he was not curious.

Phoenix snatched the paper and put it in his pocket.

They spent the next hour or so talking about salary, work hours, and workdays that fit both Chess and Phoenix. Chess got a tour of the place and diligently wrote where everything was kept, and what he needed to remember about each room. When done, Phoenix offered to drive Chess to the club, since he was going shopping anyway. He had discreetly waved off his bodyguards to not alert Chess to them, and they just followed in their car.

He parked the car outside the club and saw Brannon and one of his security guys cleaning the front entrance. Chess smiled at him and was about to open the door to exit when Phoenix stopped him.

"Hold on. I have something for you." He reached over to open the glove compartment and pulled out the present he had bought for him at Jace's suggestion. He looked at it for a second and then handed it to Chess, who just looked back and forth between Phoenix and the wrapped box in his hands. "Please don't look at this as charity. I didn't know about your financial situation when I bought it, so please don't get offended. I got the feeling you had helped Jace a lot, so I asked him what he thought you'd like as a small thank you."

"Oh, I don't need anything as a thank you. I'm just happy that Jace and you are together." Chess pushed the gift back into Phoenix's hands.

"It's for you, Chess. You helped Jace, and that made Jace happy. A happy Jace is what I live for, so you earned that."

Cocking his head, Chess studied Phoenix for a moment. "You love him, don't you?"

Damn that kid. Psychology was not a bad career, if he was that perceptive. Phoenix sighed and hoped that he did not blush like some schoolboy with a crush. "I might. I'm not sure. I think so."

"He'll get there if you hang on and wait," Chess said with compassion. "He's fragile and needs a lot of care before he can love anybody. If I'm honest, I don't think he even loves himself right now. I don't know much of his story, but I know as much. His heart is locked away. And you might be the key."

"Don't worry about me. I'm in it until he doesn't want me anymore."

"Good. Don't let him down. I don't think he'll survive if he loses you."

With that, Chess opened the door and got out with his present in his hands.

"Thank you for the job. I'll see you tomorrow at noon. Have a nice evening Mister P." Chess saw Phoenix nod, too speechless to comment, so he closed the door and watched him drive away.

That was one crazy job interview. But the money was good and the job easy from his point of view, though Phoenix had acted as if he demanded too much. With what he was willing to pay, Chess would have come there four times a week for the same pay and done twice the work.

"Chess." Brannon gave him a wave when he approached the front doors. "Was that Mister P. who dropped you off?"

"Yeah." Chess did not know if he could tell about the job interview, so he tried to keep it casual.

"Then I suppose he's not coming tonight. I had hoped to have a chat with him. But no biggie, I'll call him when I'm done with this." He smiled at Chess and lit a cigarette while he took a break from the sweeping he had done. "I wanted to thank you for being so nice to Eoin. He can't stop raving about you and Jace."

What was it with people and the need to thank him for being a decent human being? Nobody needed to thank him for anything. He liked both men and his friendship did not cost a thing, nor did it require any gratitude. That was not how friendship worked, and though Chess understood both Brannon and Phoenix in their need to thank somebody for taking care of their boys, it was unnecessary.

"Well, I can't speak for Jace, though I think he shares my opinion on this. Eoin is a sweetheart, and I like him, and I intend to spend more time with him if he wants to."

"He does. I know that for sure. He mentioned he would love to do your hair, the color is fading a bit. He's very good, I promise."

With a proud smile, Brannon ran his fingers through his muddy-brown hair that looked exactly the same as it had always done, though it was obvious to Chess that he had let Eoin do something to it.

"I know he is. You didn't see Jace's hair the other day. I'm telling you, Disney Prince sway and poof."

It took a moment for Brannon to stop his explosive laughter. "Yeah, I wish I had seen that show. If it wasn't illegal to check the security tapes, I would have. My curiosity was killing me until somebody came out and gave me the skinny on everything, because P. was not particularly eloquent or together when he came out to catch a breather."

"Well, he came back. I think he just got overwhelmed."

"That's an understatement. But it worked out, right? You just saw him. They're still together? It wasn't just a booty thing?"

"They're together as far as I know. I doubt either of them will let the other get away." Chess cocked his head and studied Brannon like he had studied Phoenix. "Speaking of... You do know Eoin likes you as more than his Dom, right?"

Brannon broke into a bright smile. "I do. It's quite mutual, but Eoin has been tricked before, and he doesn't believe me when I try to convince him. So, I'm trying a new tactic. I'm signing short-term contracts with him, so he knows I'll be there, but he'll get that small fear of it not being renewed, and then I'll renew it, of course. I hope if I do it enough times, then he'll realize that I'm not going anywhere." Brannon's smile faded and a frown came instead. "Is that wrong? As a sub, you might know if that's more hurtful than useful. It just seems like my only option right now."

With a suddenly tired and somewhat frustrated smile, Brannon rubbed his beard and looked down awkwardly. "I've tried everything else. I've taken him out to wine and dine him. Taken him to the movies and walks in the countryside. You know, boyfriend stuff," Brannon explained with an embarrassed chuckle. "I even take him home and let him spend the night. I fucking went to a hairstylist convention where there was so much hairspray in the air that I think the hairs in my nostrils are still perfectly styled."

That time the explosive laughter came from Chess. Brannon at a hair stylist convention, he would have paid good money to see, and it only showed how committed Brannon was.

"I think you're doing it right. Maybe Eoin is the kind of person who feels valued through his sexuality more than his personality? When you renew, give him the same month contract. Then next time extend it a bit to two-three months, and when you think he's ready, offer him an indefinite one."

"I think I know why you're the Head sub." Brannon ruffled Chess' hair with a thankful smile.

"I'm not."

"Yeah, you keep telling yourself that. You're just as caught as the rest of us, and when you admit it, you, too, will be happier."

Chess just grunted and turned to walk inside. Brannon was probably right. He did all the head sub things. Acted as a confidante to the subs, kept an eye on the club, and who paired with who. He made sure to stand as a buffer between Packard and the rest to mediate when tempers flared. And yes, he wanted that big oaf of a moronic Head Dom.

"You should consider getting Eoin to color your hair to match your eyes. That would be stunning on you," Brannon called after him and went back to his sweeping.

"Yeah, yeah," Chess grumbled and went inside through the club to the employee's break room where he usually changed. He plopped down on a chair by a table and stared at the gift as if it would explode in his face.

Carefully, he unwrapped it and sat stunned at the table, staring at the BlackBerry in the case he had opened with awestruck wonder. A brand, fucking, new BlackBerry. That alone would have been enough to make him happy and overwhelmed. It was the card beside it that made him shiver.

In beautiful, but strong handwriting, the card told him that there was a new Nokia coming very soon, and when it hit the market, all he had to do was go to the store and exchange the BlackBerry for the new Nokia. It was supposedly the best phone ever, but the release date in January had been postponed, otherwise, Phoenix would have bought that directly for him. The card went on to thank him from Phoenix and Jace and ended with a promise from Phoenix, saying he could always come to him if he needed somebody like Jace had.

Strangely enough, what struck Chess was that Phoenix had already had the gift in his glove compartment. He had bought it just because he had wanted to give it to him as a thank you before he had even known that he was tight for cash. It was not charity or a handout. It was, as Phoenix had claimed, just a gift.

A really thoughtful one that only Jace could have told Phoenix that he needed.

His hands shook uncontrollably when he found his old phone in his bag and clicked Jace's number.

"Chess, are you ok?" Jace's worried voice sounded through the speaker two rings later.

"You and your boyfriend are fucking crazy. What the hell were you thinking?"

There was a pause for a moment until Jace answered. "Me and my who are what and why?"

"Phoenix just dropped me off at work, and now I'm staring at a shiny new phone. Care to explain?"

"Oh that," Jace laughed like it was the best joke ever. "Did he get you the Nokia? I sent him the link for it."

Chess sighed because Jace clearly had not grasped how shocked he was. "No, I got a BlackBerry that's worth more than my apartment. And a note saying the Nokia wasn't available and I could exchange the BlackBerry for the Nokia when it comes out. Just like that, as if I was some VIP."

In his room at some obscure motel in the south of Germany, Jace leaned back on the bed with a smile. Phoenix had done well. Maybe they had not gone for shocking Chess like it seemed they had, but they had wanted to give him something he could actually use and not just a trinket with no value to Chess.

"But you like it, don't you?"

"Like it? I'm afraid to touch it. It's shiny, the screen is scratch-free, and it even smells new. Can a phone smell new?"

Jace giggled joyfully at the almost hysterical undertone in Chess' voice. That was a nice change to the boredom he had endured the last days with tactical meetings and storming some drug factory. Ok, boring it had not been, it had been hectic and demanded a lot of concentration and coordination between himself and the others.

But it had not been joyful either.

"I'm glad you like it," Jace said in a soft tone. He felt how happy Chess was, and how unaccustomed he was to receiving presents and being appreciated. He had better learn to accept being spoiled, because Packard would smother him in gifts to show Chess how precious he was.

Chess made a tiny sob. "It's really for me?"

"Of course, you dummy. You can scratch your name in it if you need to."

"God no. I'll keep it in the case it came in to not hurt it until I need to exchange it." Chess sniffled. "Thank you. Both of you. I didn't need this at all."

"Who cares? We wanted to give you something, and if you're happy with it, it's a win-win."

A knock on the door made Jace check his watch. He was late; they were heading out soon to clean up at the factory they had raided. Gareth wanted all the information they could find because the fuckers who had run it had tried to screw him over. That would definitely lead to some messy shit later on.

"Hang on Chess," Jace said and went to the door, where he found Cracker outside with half a sandwich hanging out of his mouth. He tapped his watch because he could not speak.

"Sorry, I've got to run. I'm away on business, but I'll call you when I get home, and we can go out to dinner, ok?"

"Sure. Talk soon," Chess replied with understanding and ended the call with a last thanks for the phone.

"So, you got a girlfriend?" Cracker asked when he finished his mouthful. He nonchalantly entered the room and fell back on the bed, only to take another bite.

"Sure, I found this site online with catalog brides, and I just plotted in what I like. Apparently, they had one in blue, that's my favorite color. Total score for me." Jace rolled his eyes.

Cracker laughed. "Hey, no need to get snippy with me. That's good by the way, because Gareth called to tell me he's arranging a boy's night when we get back."

"Sounds great."

"Oh yeah, Gareth said to tell you that you need to not be an ass when we go out."

Jace snorted. "An ass? When am I ever?"

"I think he was referring to last time with the number game. You might want to not piss Phoenix off. Just an interpretation, not Gareth's actual words."

Inwardly, Jace laughed. Like hell, he would do that again. He was not about to throw Phoenix into the arms of anybody else. Male or female. That man was his. He would be on his best behavior, though he had meant none harm by trying to wingman for him or even with the number game.

"Don't worry, I'm not losing like that again, though it was great to see Gareth lose." Jace noted he needed to lure out of Phoenix how he had won that bet.

That time, Cracker laughed evilly. "I hear you. That was hilarious, but I'm still miffed that Phoenix won. Like how? I mean, he's good-looking, but unless he paid for their tabs for the evening, I don't see how he did it."

"You can try to ask him, but I'll bet you a drink that he'll just grunt at you."

Cracker stood up. "That's not even a bet. You've won already."

Jace found his shoes to put on. "Is it time to leave?"

"Aye, in about twenty minutes. I'll wait outside. Join me for a smoke when you're done suiting up?"

"Be there in five," Jace called after Cracker as he left. The second the door closed, Jace grabbed his phone and typed a cheeky message to Gareth about behaving at boys' night, and then he called Phoenix.

"Thank you," Jace blurted out the second he heard Phoenix accept the call.

A chuckle sounded before Phoenix said anything. "I don't know what I did, but I'm glad I did it."

"I just talked to Chess."

"Oh," Phoenix replied. "Did he like it? Did I do good?"

Jace laughed and enjoyed the calm that settled in him when he spoke to Phoenix. It made the stress of the previous days melt away, and he needed that. Phoenix offered him peace, and he grabbed it with both hands.

"He was shocked and emotional. But he liked it. Thank you for doing that for him. His phone was ancient. I think he needed a new one."

"Then I'm glad you suggested it." Phoenix lowered his voice a bit, and it became almost intimate. "How are you?"

Jace filled in the missing 'Baby boy' in his mind. Phoenix respected their outside-of-the-club deal, but he still cared enough to ask, and Jace felt it. He just wished Phoenix would call him that nickname when they talked.

"I'm looking forward to getting home..."

"Was that a hint?"

"Yes," Jace breathed out with longing. "Sir."

"I'll see you when you get back, Baby boy."

Hi dear Wattlings.

Thank you for reading.

A more mellow chapter to build up to what we know is coming soon, right? 

How do you like Chess? Think he might become important to our guys? It was nice of Phoenix to want to help him even if he doesn't know why he needs money or doesn't have an education.

If you like it, then pop a vote and please leave comments. The comments are important for me to know how the story is progressing and the characters are developing. And I'd love to know what you think and interact with y'all.

Give me a follow too for updates on other work and put this book in your library. I'd appreciate that.

Love, Alix

Published: October 18th, 2021. ©Alix Davenport, Copenhagen